Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/12/2012 -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) (http://www.kroger.com/), the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer with 16 stores throughout the Triangle and North Carolina, has partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to sell shamrocks to raise money for MDA summer camps for children, along with helping to fund additional local health care services for children and adults affected by some 40 neuromuscular diseases. Through Saturday, March 17, customers can purchase a shamrock at three different levels: a green shamrock for $1, a gold shamrock for $5 or a platinum shamrock for $10. All donations made at area Kroger stores will benefit the children and adults served by MDA within the Raleigh district.

Last year the MDA’s shamrock program raised more than $220,000, with area Kroger stores contributing more than $14,000 to the total raised.

Carl York, corporate affairs manager for Kroger Mid-Atlantic, which includes stores throughout the Triangle and North Carolina, said that the MDA shamrock program is a great way to support the local community and a good cause that benefits area children.

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“We genuinely appreciate Kroger’s continuing participation in our shamrock fundraiser for our summer camps,” said Elizabeth Fligor, fundraising coordinator at MDA. “By donating just one to 10 dollars for a shamrock, you will make a real difference in children having the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and events designed especially for their needs.”

About Muscular Dystrophy Association
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

About Kroger
Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, has 16 stores throughout the Triangle and North Carolina, including Apex (1), Cary (1), Garner (1), Fuquay-Varina (1), Raleigh (6) and Durham (6). Headquartered in Cincinnati, the company employs more than 338,000 associates who serve customers in 2,439 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The company also operates 788 convenience stores, 361 fine jewelry stores, 1,046 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the United States. Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://www.kroger.com.

Erin Smith
MMI Public Relations
(919) 233-6600
Erin@mmipublicrelations.com
http://twitter.com/MMIPR
http://www.mmipublicrelations.com